DUFFY AND NORWOOD DISCOVER WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF DRAW

Shane Duffy and Oliver Norwood are both two games away from the 2018 World Cup.

Kieran Cleeves

The draw has been made for next month’s FIFA World Cup play-offs, and Brighton & Hove Albion duo Shane Duffy and Oliver Norwood have discovered their respective opponents.

Duffy’s Republic of Ireland, who finished second in Group D after beating Wales 1-0, will come up against Denmark over two legs, with the second match being played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northern Ireland will meet Switzerland for a place in next summer’s World Cup in Russia, after Norwood’s team finished second in Group C behind reigning champions Germany, and their first game will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast.

Managed by Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland will be looking to secure their place at a World Cup finals for the first time since 1986, while Duffy’s nation, managed by Martin O'Neill, last qualified in 2002.

The first legs will be played between the 9-11th November, with the second legs between 12-14th November.